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                    Aboriginal Melbourne

                    Close-up of wooden poles decorated with Aboriginal motifs
                    Welcome to the City of Melbourne.

                    Wominjeka / Womindjeka means ‘welcome’ in the Woi-wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people and Boon Wurrung language of the Bunurong people of the Eastern Kulin.

                    ​​​​The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

                    We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.​

                    ​Today we are proud to say that Melbourne is a significant gathering place for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

                    First Nations Committee​

                    The City of Melbourne is proud of the contribution First Nations peoples have and continue to make to Melbourne / Narrm.

                    We are establishing the First Nations Committee as a key mechanism for First Nations peoples to have a direct say in the work of Council. This builds on the strength of existing mechanisms and will allow First Nations peoples to self-determine priorities.

                    We are seeking applications from people who identify themselves as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and have a connection to the city.

                    To learn more, visit First Nations Committee.

                    Expressions of interest are open until 4 April.​

                    Voice to Parliament

                    Later this year, Australians will participate in a national referendum on the Constitutional Recognition of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

                    Simply put, this means that Australians will vote on whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will have an ongoing say on decisions that are made about them.

                    In this time of learning and reflection, we are committed to sharing information about the Voice to Parliament in a respectful way, making it easy for people to get the facts and to participate.

                    We encourage you to read, listen, learn and ask questions.

                    Mapping Aboriginal Melbourne

                    How well do you know our city?

                    Learn about places of Aboriginal historical and cultural significance within the City of Melbourne using this interactive digital map, created with Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples and the City of Melbourne.

                    Use the map to explore by theme and via the timeline. Follow links to find further information.

                    Please note the map contains images and names of people who have since passed. ​

                    Aboriginal community

                    The City of Melbourne collaborates with Aboriginal communities when developing strategies, agreements and protocols designed to celebrate, support and expand Indigenous culture throughout Melbourne and beyond.

                    Our approach to local and national Aboriginal interests is to be open, active and alert to opportunities. We aim to provide high-quality, responsive and innovative services for our local Indigenous community.

                    Aboriginal businesses

                    The City of Melbourne provides a range of support to Aboriginal businesses and Aboriginal business owners:

                    • General business support​: From starting a business to support with permits, events, grants and sponsorship we are here for you.
                    • Marketing support: We provide marketing opportunities for businesses located in the municipality and promote local businesses and events on our What's On Melbourne channels.
                    • Council procurement​: We’re committed to providing greater opportunities for the economic participation and development of Aboriginal people. To help achieve this, we’ve listed Aboriginal procurement as a priority within our Procurement policies and within our Sustainable Procurement Framework.

                    Aboriginal Melbourne Team

                    The Aboriginal Melbourne team:

                    • monitors and reports on the City of Melbourne’s Reconciliation Action Plan and ensures it is recognised and supported through the organisation’s strategies and actions
                    • advises the City of Melbourne on Aboriginal interests and culture
                    • is the contact point for the Aboriginal community in the organisation raising awareness and promoting Melbourne's Aboriginal heritage, culture and achievements through funded events and initiatives.

                    Declaration of Recognition and Commitment

                    City of Melbourne is moving forward on its reconciliation journey with First Nations people, by endorsing the Declaration of Recognition and Commitment.

                    Lord Mayor Sally Capp and CEO Justin Hanney proudly signed the declaration, which can be found below.

                    In this section

                    • National Reconciliation Week

                      National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievement, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
                    • Stolen Generations Marker

                      Between 1910 and the 1970s up to one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander* children were forcibly removed from their families, culture and Country through race-based laws and policies of State and Federal Governments. These children became known as the Stolen Generations.
                    • Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021–23

                      The City of Melbourne is proud to support reconciliation within our organisation, across the city and through our national and international connections. Our fifth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the Innovate RAP 2021–23 reaffirms our respect for Aboriginal peoples' unique heritage and culture.
                    • National Sorry Day

                      On 26 May 1997 the landmark Bringing them Home report was tabled in federal parliament.
                    • First Nations Perspectives of Cook’s Voyages and Cooks’ Cottage

                      Captain Cook is a well-known figure in Australian history. Cook and his crew were forerunners of the British colonisation of Australia, and centuries of British influence in the Pacific more broadly.
                    • Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner

                      Many of us are familiar with the story of Ned Kelly, but far fewer have heard of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, who are incredibly significant figures in Melbourne's early history.
                    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diary dates

                      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have some dates to mark significant events associated with their history and culture.
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